Bat Conservation and rehabilitation
Project name:
Tolga Bat Hospital
Project purpose:
Bat Conservation and rehabilitation
Project activities:
-
animal interaction
-
animal rehabilitation
-
data collection/analysis
-
habitat restoration
Weekly cost (approx USD):
$
400
Direct benefits you gain:
-
remote scenic location
-
field research skills
Noteworthy conservation points:
Wild Sun Rescue Center
Accommodation:
Multiple options: shared apartment, shared tent, single room
When does the project run?
Facilities:
food included, accommodation included, wifi, western toilets, showers, no phone signal (can go to the local town to receive phone signal), cater for vegans
How long can I stay?
Requirements:
Details of the day-to-day life on the project:
Cost varies depending on length of Stay (weeks)
Everyone pays a minimum of $35 a day for the first 4 weeks, then the daily rate reduces further. See website for more detail.
Volunteers are needed all year but especially during tick paralysis season when hundreds of adults and orphans come into care. These are the months from October to February. We usually need 4 to 8 full-time people, as well as our dedicated group of local part-time volunteers.
Work at the hospital in tick season is varied. Typically volunteers will help prepare large amounts of food for the adults and orphans; feed/clean/weigh/measure the orphans, clean cages, wash large amounts of bat and human laundry, participate in trips to the rainforest to search or release (depending on season); and help with miscellaneous projects around the hospital. We buy fruit in bulk (apples1000kg and bananas 350kgs) and these need to be unloaded into boxes for storage in fridge or food safe. We make large amounts of banana smoothie on particular days, and this is then stored in the freezer and brought out as required. Caring for sick or young animals is like caring for sick or young humans, many tasks are very repetitive but your love and respect for the animals will make it very rewarding. Some volunteers also help with visitor tours. Outside of tick season the work is less varied and demanding as a lot fewer bats are in care.
During tick paralysis season, volunteers typically work 7 days per week for an average of about 10 -15 hours a day. We try to have some volunteers working late, and others starting early. Early shift starts by 6am, and late shift ends about 11pm. We all work 10 -12 hours a day though at this busy time of the year, with breaks as often as possible.
November is always the busiest month as we can have up to 200 babies being hand-fed 4 times a day. Volunteers unable to commit to this pace are encouraged to live offsite and roster on as it suits. Every effort is made to give long-stay volunteers a break for a few days during the season. Please be aware of your own limits and let someone know if you need help or time off. Outside of tick season we are far more flexible, and days off for excursions or a break can be easily accommodated.
Reviews & ratings
Francisco
Volunteer
19 Dec 2021
An amazing project with amazing staff
I work as a travel agent, bringing volunteers to DAKTARI and other projects around the world. After helping a lot of volunteers fulfill their dreams of coming to South Africa, I managed to arrange 2 weeks to spend at the project. What a wonderful time I had starting with the staff who are so friendly and polite, the animals being taken care of as if they were family and the amazing food that was prepared catering to each of the volunteers individual needs. I can only say that if you are looking for an unique and quality experience involving a well thought out educational program and the preservation of native animal species, this is the one for you.
true
Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage
leslie
Volunteer
19 Dec 2021
great experience
i had an enjoyable stay here in DAKTARI. be surrounded by wild animals is a chance and i also loved the teaching part of my stay
true
Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage
Update or add information
Send us a form with the new details
If you would like to add pictures or videos to this projects page, please email us with the name of the project and the relevant media to: theconservationnetwork@gmail.com
Upload a picture or video!